Becoming a skilled permanent makeup (PMU) artist can be a life-changing career move, offering the chance to help clients feel more confident while enjoying a rewarding profession.
However, as with any type of beauty training, beginners often make common mistakes that can affect the quality of their work and client satisfaction.
At Kristina Bradley SPMU & Aesthetics, we understand the challenges of starting out in the world of permanent makeup, and we’re here to help you avoid common pitfalls and minimise mistakes as a beginner in the industry.
In this blog, we’ll go through the biggest mistakes that beginners often make in permanent makeup and how you can avoid them by focusing on quality, precision, and knowledge—essential elements of the Kristina Bradley SPMU & Aesthetics training philosophy.
The biggest mistakes in permanent makeup include for beginners include:
- Incorrect Eyebrow and Lip Shapes
- Poor Control of Lip Blush Borders
- Over-pigmentation Eyebrows
- Lack of Skin and Colour Knowledge
- Not Mastering Machine Control
Call today at 07428 104077 or enquire about our training options via our contact form.
1.) Incorrect Eyebrow and Lip Shapes
One of the most common and noticeable mistakes beginners make is choosing the wrong eyebrow and lip shapes for their clients.
Eyebrows and lips should enhance a person’s natural features, not dramatically alter them. Incorrect shapes can lead to unnatural-looking results and unhappy clients, which can be avoided with proper training.
Top recommendations to avoid this mistake:
- Ensure client consultation: Understand your client’s natural features before you start by arranging a free initial consultation to avoid this common mistake.
- Follow natural contours: Following natural contours is paramount to ensuring correct eyebrow and lip shapes. Our semi-permanent makeup training teaches you to map out the natural contours of the eyebrows and lips.
- Use the right tools: Use high-quality tools and stencils to map shapes precisely, making it easier for you to achieve symmetrical and proportionate designs.
2.) Poor Control of Lip Blush Borders
Lip blush is a beautiful yet delicate procedure, and one of the biggest challenges beginners face is controlling the borders of the lips.
If the lip blush borders aren’t blended properly, you can end up with harsh, uneven lines that look unnatural and unflattering.
Top recommendations to avoid this mistake:
- Gradual approach: Start with a light hand when outlining the lip borders. This gradual approach will help you avoid harsh lines and achieve a more natural effect.
- Blend seamlessly: One of the key things we stress in our courses is the importance of blending. The lip blush colour should fade naturally from the edges into the centre of the lips to create a soft, subtle look.
- Use fine detail work: We recommend using smaller needles for more precise control when working on lip blush borders, ensuring that the pigment is applied smoothly and evenly.
3.) Over-pigmentation of Eyebrows
Over-pigmentation is a common issue, especially for beginners. Applying too much pigment to the eyebrows can result in an unnatural, overly dark, and harsh appearance that can be difficult to correct.
Therefore, it’s important to take your time and follow the recommended steps.
Top recommendations to avoid this mistake:
- Understand Pigment Saturation: Start light when applying pigment to the eyebrows. It’s important to build up the colour gradually, as over-pigmentation can’t be easily undone.
- Test Pigments First: We always recommend testing the pigment on a small patch of skin to ensure it heals well and the shade matches the client’s natural eyebrow colour and undertones.
- Choose the Right Needle: Using a fine needle helps to deposit the pigment in lighter, more natural layers, giving you more control over the outcome.
4.) Lack of Skin and Colour Knowledge
Understanding skin anatomy and colour theory is critical to successful permanent makeup application.
Beginners often overlook how different skin types, tones, and undertones can affect the outcome of the treatment.
Top recommendations to avoid this mistake:
- Study Skin Types: In our training courses, we cover the various skin types and how they affect permanent makeup. For example, oily skin tends to cause pigments to fade faster, while dry skin may hold pigments more effectively.
- Learn Colour Theory: Kristina Bradley SPMU & Aesthetics provides you with the knowledge you need to match pigments to your client’s unique undertones, ensuring natural-looking results.
- Practice on Different Skin Types: During our hands-on training sessions, you’ll work with clients of various skin types, which helps you build your skills and learn how to adapt your technique accordingly.
5.) Not Mastering Machine Control
Machine control is one of the most important aspects of permanent makeup.
Beginners often struggle with maintaining a steady hand, leading to uneven pigmentation, poorly applied strokes, and inconsistent results.
Top recommendations to avoid this mistake:
- Practice Makes Perfect: At Kristina Bradley SPMU & Aesthetics, we emphasize the importance of practice, especially when it comes to machine control. Our training includes practice on synthetic skin and live models.
- Master Machine Settings: Each technique requires different settings, and mastering this is essential to achieving flawless results.
- Keep Steady Hands: It’s essential to stay calm and keep your hands steady when working with a PMU machine. We offer guidance and tips for maintaining a relaxed grip and working at a pace that allows for precision.
Get In Touch Today
Kristina Bradley SPMU & Aesthetics is committed to providing you with the training, support, and knowledge you need to succeed.
Our semi-permanent makeup courses are designed to give you the skills to avoid these mistakes and build your career in the exciting world of permanent makeup.
If you’re ready to start your journey or refine your skills, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Call us today at 07428 104077 or use our contact form to learn more about our training courses and how we can help you become the best permanent makeup artist possible.
